List of Tricks to Remember Greater Than and Less Than Signs

No.Trick NameExplanation
1Alligator MouthThe “alligator” (open side) always “eats” the larger number: 5 < 8 (“mouth” faces 8).
2Shark FinThe sharp end (point) of the sign looks like a shark fin—and points toward the smaller number.
3Number LineDraw a number line; the sign’s open side faces right (greater) or left (less) accordingly.
4Hungry HippopotamusPicture a hippo opening its mouth wide at the bigger prize—its mouth opens to the larger value.
5Candle FlameThe flame of a candle leans away from the wick (toward the smaller side), so the open side points toward the larger side.
6“L” ShapeThe sign < looks like a little “L” for “less,” and > is its mirror for “greater.”
7Slide RuleImagine numbers sliding under the slimmer side—slides under < (less) or > (greater).
 
To remember greater than (>) and less than (<) signs, think of the symbol as an alligator mouth; it always eats the bigger number. For example, 5 > 3 means the mouth opens toward 5. You can also remember that the small side points to the smaller number, and the wide side opens to the larger number.
 
  • Alligator Mouth Trick 🐊
    Think of the sign as an alligator’s mouth—it always eats the bigger number.
    • Example: 5 > 3 (The alligator eats 5 because it’s bigger!)
  • Small End, Big End Rule
    The pointed end is small, and the open end is big.
    • So, 2 < 7 (2 is near the small point, 7 near the open end)
  • L for Less Than
    The less than sign (<) looks like the letter L if you rotate it.
    • L = Less Than
    • Example: 4 < 9
  • Number Line Visualization 📉
    On a number line, numbers to the left are always less, and to the right are greater.
    • So 3 < 6 because 3 is left of 6.
  • Greater Than Starts with G
    "Greater" and ">" both start with G—helps you match the sign with the word.
  • Say it Out Loud 📣
    Read the sign as a sentence:
    • 8 > 2 = “8 is greater than 2”
    • 1 < 5 = “1 is less than 5”
 
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